Topic: spark plug wire – Antique Outboard Motor Club,Inc

This topic has 12 replies, 10 voices, and was last updated 9 years, 10 months ago by frankr.

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December 30, 2015 at 8:07 pm #3294
olcah
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US Member
I am replacing the wires on my RD18 and notice the replacement wire core seems smaller dia than the original. I got the replacement at NAPA today and the wire is printed "Belden High Temperature 7 MM Metallic Cable 14". It seems to me that would be harder to hit the core with the pin connections on the coils and the plug terminal ends. Am I missing something here?

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December 30, 2015 at 8:37 pm #29394
beerman57
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I get mine at NAPA, 7mm. No real problem with the plug ends that I’ve noticed. Since it’s 60 year newer wire, maybe it can be smaller due to better material?
December 30, 2015 at 9:02 pm #29395
aquasonic
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I have noticed the same with my replacement wire. Like everything else, someone finds a way to make something cheaper.

I’m sure that the newer wire is a little less forgiving when installing the connectors. After replacing the wires on about a dozen outboards, some with boots, and some with open connectors, so far so good. New wires are a wonderful thing.

Improvise-Adapt-Overcome
December 30, 2015 at 9:09 pm #29396
chris-p
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Yeah it will be fine. I have bought many rolls of Belden before
December 30, 2015 at 9:35 pm #29400
Anonymous
I use Packard 440 when I can get it.
December 30, 2015 at 11:43 pm #29414
beerman57
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I do a resistance test from the boot to the coil leads, always get the same reading as no plug wire installed, if I hit the wire strand. You’re good to go then.
December 30, 2015 at 11:47 pm #29416
frankr
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US MEMBER PAY BY CHECK
Good practice is to strip 1/4" insulation off the plug end and fray out the strands so they will touch the spring, ensuring a contact. You are dealing with high voltage, so touching is good enough.
December 31, 2015 at 1:58 am #29427
vintin
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Is there a reason to not solder the wire to the spring?
December 31, 2015 at 2:36 am #29432
jeff-register
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US Member
VinTin,
I don’t think the spring will bond to solder. Also a guy can use neon lighting cable. At least it shows the voltage it is rated for, 15,000 continous. It has many strands if you use the high flex cable & I get 250 feet for $35.00. I use it on every motor too, No leaks either. Anyone want to try it? I’ll send a few feet just to get an opinion as it is made for high voltage too. Even comes in hot pink insulation too or white or green or black or blue clear too.
Oh, it’s 7 mm too & good stuff. but much cheaper!!
December 31, 2015 at 1:49 pm #29457
sailor58
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quote david bernard:

I use Packard 440 when I can get it.

Always available here: https://www.brillman.com/
Larry
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